Esteemed Panel Convenes To Hear Public On "Keeping Schools Safe"

Brandon Gosey, member of the Rutherford County Board of Education, has organized a community wide forum called, "Keeping Schools Safe." Designed to give the community an opportunity to have their voices heard on this serious topic, Gosey tells us, "I am excited about organizing this much needed discussion between our community, our members, elected officials and services providers."

Hosted by Glenwood Baptist Church at 461 Bostic Sunshine Highway, the forum is scheduled for Friday, March 17th, from 6-8 pm. Rev. Jason Toney of Glenwood Baptist says, "The Church is honored to host the 'Keeping Schools Safe' community forum for public and private education. It is of utmost importance that we work to keep our children safe, while upholding our Constitutional liberties."

Chief District Court Judge, The Honorable Randy Pool, has agreed to join the forum panel. Judge Pool stated, "Together we can make our communities and schools safer. We must do all in our power to make that happen."

"North Carolina Rep. Cody Henson, (District 113), will also be joining our upcoming forum and panel discussion regarding school safety." said Gosey. "Rep. Henson was recently appointed to the House Select Committee on School Safety by North Carolina Speaker of the House, Mr. Tim Moore." Rep. Henson gratefully accepted the invitation to participate. "Thank you for inviting me to the forum. I feel this is a much needed issue to be discussed. While it may be an ugly conversation at times, with tensions running high, it is a conversation that needs to happen. As the father of a 2 year old boy and a little girl on the way, in just a few short years my children will enter the public school system. As with any parent, my children's safety is my number one priority. I have also been entrusted by the people of District 113 to support and find ways to keep their children safe in our schools, a place they should feel the safest."

Offering the student's perspective on the subject will be Ms. Holly Sherburne who serves as Student Body President at East Rutherford High School. "As a student in Rutherford County Schools, I am humbled to be a part of this conversation surrounding the safety of my peers as well as my educators. My parents are both teachers employed by Rutherford County Schools, and I am the eldest of four children that are all public school students. At East Rutherford, I serve as Student Body President and I am heavily involved in Rutherford County's YoungLife and First Baptist of Forest City's youth group. Protecting my immediate family, my Cavalier family, and the brotherhood shared between students in Rutherford County and the United States at large serve as my motivation and my interest to share my voice in the upcoming panel. It is my hope to extend my perspective to share on behalf of Rutherford County students in regards to our fear, and our assurance in school security."

"I am also excited to announce that ABC News 13 has shown interest in our upcoming forum." reported Gosey. "News 13 plans to help co-host the event with our forum moderator, Mr. Jim Bishop, of WCAB. Bishop stated that he is 'honored to help facilitate this much needed discussion.' News 13 also plans to broadcast the 'Keeping Schools Safe' forum live online."

"I am hopeful that the community will take advantage of this opportunity to engage in healthy discussion with local and state leaders and community members. Together we can keep our schools safe. My son, Jaxon, will be turning 5 this September, and I must do everything within my power to ensure that my child, and everyone else's, can go to school and be ready to learn without fear of being in danger.

This includes our teachers, administrators, staff, bus drivers and parents."

- Brandon Gosey

The complete list of panelist include:

Dr. Janet Mason - RCS Superintendent

Mr. Joe Maimone - Headmaster TJCA-CFA

Mr. Tony Helton - CEO - TeamCFA Charter Schools

Rep. Cody Henson (District 113)

Rep. David Rogers

Chief District Court Judge Randy Pool

District Court Judge Laura Powell

Sheriff Chris Francis

District Attorney Ted Bell

Commissioner Mike Benfield

Dr. Jamie Powell - E.D. Preferred Choice Healthcare

Brandon Gosey - RCS Board of Education

Holly Sherburne - ERHS Student Body President

This event is free and open to the public. Mr. Gosey encourages everyone to come out and share your thoughts and concerns. For more information, please contact Brandon Gosey at bgosey@rcsnc.org.